Qatar halted liquefied natural gas (LNG) production Monday as the conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel escalated, disrupting energy markets and prompting a scramble to evacuate citizens from the Gulf region. The shutdown came after drone attacks hit industrial areas in Doha, according to reports.
The U.S. Military confirmed four of its troops have been killed in action amid clashes with Iran, even as a fifth U.S. Soldier died Monday bringing the total to five, according to U.S. Central Command. Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during a combat mission, officials said.
Iran’s Red Crescent Society reported at least 555 people have been killed in Iran as a result of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, with more than 130 cities across the country reportedly under attack. In Israel, 11 people have been killed, and 31 in Lebanon, according to authorities.
The conflict broadened Monday with Iran launching missiles at Israel and Arab states, with reports indicating a strike on the U.S. Embassy compound in Kuwait. Israel continued to strike targets in Iran and Lebanon, where it completed “a broad wave of strikes” on dozens of targets, including weapons storage facilities and missile launchers belonging to Hezbollah, the Israeli army said.
Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel for the first time in more than a year, prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes that killed at least 31 people overnight in Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities. A senior Islamic Jihad militant, Adham Adnan al-Othman, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the military operation in Iran is “the most precise aerial operation in history” and asserted that the conflict would not be “endless” or a “regime change war.” He indicated the operation could last anywhere from two to six weeks, though President Donald Trump had previously suggested four to five weeks.
Iran’s top national security official, Ali Larijani, vowed “we will not negotiate with the United States,” despite President Trump’s claim that Iranian officials were seeking talks. The Iranian government is also working to appoint a fresh supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with cleric Alireza Arafi expressing hope for a swift appointment.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut urged American citizens to depart Lebanon immediately, citing a volatile and unpredictable security situation. All consular services have been suspended. The embassy also warned citizens not to travel to Lebanon.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his decision to allow the U.S. To use British bases for strikes against Iran, emphasizing the demand to support allies and protect British citizens. Though, he maintained the U.K. Would not participate in offensive actions aimed at regime change, citing lessons learned from the Iraq War.
President Trump expressed “disappointment” with Starmer’s initial reluctance to allow the use of British bases, stating it “took far too much time.”
QatarEnergy announced it would cease production of liquefied natural gas following attacks on its facilities, contributing to a surge in European natural gas futures, which jumped 42% on Monday. The price of oil also rose sharply, with concerns mounting over potential supply disruptions from the Persian Gulf.
Cyprus intercepted two drones heading toward RAF Akrotiri Air Base, and reported minor damage from a Shaheed-type drone that struck the base overnight. Greece is sending two frigates and fighter jets to Cyprus in response.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the “war being waged on Iran” and called for restraint, while demonstrators supportive of the Iranian government attempted to storm a U.S. Consulate in Pakistan, resulting in clashes that killed at least 22 people and injured over 120.
U.S. Cyber operations were used to “disrupt, disorient and confuse” Iranian forces at the start of the operation, according to Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Air Force Gen. Dan Caine. More U.S. Forces are being deployed and positioned, including units from the Wisconsin and Vermont National Guard.
Israel has extended nationwide restrictions on public activities, including school closures and a ban on gatherings, until at least Saturday evening. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site of a missile attack in Beit Shemesh, accusing Iran of intentionally targeting civilians.
The U.S. Maritime center reported attacks on vessels and heavy electronic interference, with traffic through the Strait of Hormuz falling by 70% since Saturday.
The IAEA chief Rafael Grossi expressed hope that a diplomatic process will resume with regard to Iran’s nuclear program, highlighting the “indispensable role” that the U.N. Nuclear watchdog could play in such a scenario.
